Redang Island from Singapore: How to get there and travel guide

If you are planning a trip to Redang Island from Singapore, understanding the most efficient routes is the key to a stress-free holiday.

In this complete guide, we will break down how to get to Redang Island from Singapore using every available option. Whether you are looking for the fastest route via direct flights, a budget-friendly bus and ferry combination, or a hassle-free travel package, we have you covered.

To help you plan the perfect trip, we will also cover the best time to visit, where to stay, and the best ways to stay connected seamlessly with a Holafly eSIM for Malaysia.

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Where is Redang Island?

Redang Island (Pulau Redang) is located off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia in Terengganu, within the South China Sea. It’s part of the Pulau Redang Marine Park and is known for its crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and colourful coral reefs.

It’s a popular destination for snorkelling, diving, and relaxed beach holidays. Compared to nearby islands like Tioman or Rawa, Redang has a more resort-focused and tranquil atmosphere.

Redang is about 500 km away from Singapore. While there are no direct flights or ferries, it’s easy to reach with a combination of air, land, and sea travel, which we’ll break down in the next section.

How to get to Redang Island from Singapore

Reaching Redang Island from Singapore is a two-step process: transport from Singapore to the Malaysian mainland (Terengganu), followed by a mandatory boat transfer to the island. We outline the three most efficient methods, flight, bus, and self-drive, to help you choose the best balance of speed, cost, and convenience for your 4D3N getaways from Singapore.

Option 1: Flight + ferry (the fastest route)

Flying to Kuala Terengganu and taking a ferry is the perfect option, especially if you’re short on time and want the quickest, most seamless way to get from Singapore to Redang Island.

Here is how to do it: Book a flight from Singapore Changi Airport to Sultan Mahmud Airport (TGG) in Kuala Terengganu. From there, take a 20-minute taxi to Shahbandar Jetty, where ferries depart for Redang Island.

Airlines operating this route include Scoot, AirAsia, and Firefly, all of which offer flights, both direct and connecting, from Singapore to Kuala Terengganu, providing flexibility in terms of timing and price.

Travel Duration Breakdown:

• Flight: ~1 hour 10 minutes
• Taxi transfer to jetty: ~20 minutes
• Ferry to Redang Island: ~45 minutes
• Ferry timings: Typically run between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM daily (especially during peak season)

The entire journey typically takes around 4 to 5 hours, depending on your flight schedule, connection timing, and ferry availability.

For a return trip combining both the flight and ferry, you should budget approximately SGD $290 to $490 per person.

Make sure to book a morning flight from Singapore. This gives you enough buffer time to reach Shahbandar Jetty before the final ferry departure at 3 PM. Missing it means an unexpected overnight stay in Kuala Terengganu.

Option 2: Overnight bus + ferry (the most affordable route)

For the budget-conscious traveller or backpacker, the bus and ferry combination is the most wallet-friendly option for getting to Redang Island from Singapore. While this route demands significantly more time, the cost savings are substantial.

The journey starts with an overnight bus ride from Singapore to Kuala Terengganu, which takes roughly 8 to 9 hours. Trusted operators like KKKL, Transnasional, and Five Stars Express run frequent services, with departures from central locations such as Golden Mile Complex or Bugis.

Once in Kuala Terengganu, you’ll transfer to either Shahbandar Jetty or Merang Jetty, depending on your ferry operator. Shahbandar is more centrally located, while Merang serves select resort destinations and private transfers.

Expect to spend approximately SGD $120–$190 per person for the round trip, including both bus and ferry fares, making this route significantly more affordable than flying.

The total travel time averages 9 to 11 hours, factoring in border crossing, rest stops, and transfer wait times.

For the smoothest experience, book your bus and ferry tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons and public holidays, and check which jetty your resort or ferry provider uses.

This route is ideal if you are happy to trade comfort for significant savings.

Option 3 – Self‑drive or private car from Singapore

For groups, families, or those who simply enjoy the freedom of a road trip, driving is a solid alternative for the mainland leg of your trip to Redang Island from Singapore.

The route requires you to drive approximately 600–650 km from Singapore up to Merang Jetty in Terengganu. This is a substantial drive, taking about 7 to 8 hours without accounting for border crossing and breaks. Once you arrive, you can utilise one of the secure, paid parking facilities near the jetty before taking the ferry across to Redang.

The advantage of self-driving is complete control over your schedule and luggage, making it ideal for those planning multi-stop Malaysian road trips.

However, detailed preparation is key:

• Fill up on petrol before major highways, as stations get scarce along some stretches.
• At the Malaysia border, have your passport and Touch‑’n‑Go (if using) ready for quicker processing.
• On the East Coast Highway (LPT/North–South route), use rest areas for breaks; cafes and toilets are available at most lay‑bys.
• Keep an eye on weather alerts; during monsoon season (Oct–Feb), some sections may flood or cause delays.

While the total travel time can stretch to 9–11 hours (including stops and ferry transfer), the cost per person is highly competitive when splitting expenses in a group. 

Expect the estimated self-drive costs (including petrol, tolls, and parking) to fall within SGD 75–SGD 155 per person, depending on your group size.

Best Redang Island packages from Singapore

If you’d rather skip the planning complexity and enjoy a fully arranged trip, booking a Redang Island package from Singapore is your best bet. Since travelling to Redang involves flights, transfers, and ferries, these all-in-one deals save you both time and hassle.

Redang packages are typically offered as 3D2N or 4D3N stays, covering your resort accommodation, round-trip boat transfers from mainland Malaysia, meals, and snorkelling trips. Some even include bus or flight connections from Singapore.

Here’s a quick comparison of popular Redang packages tailored for Singapore travellers:

Pro Tip: Don’t assume every package is truly “all-inclusive.” Look closely at the fine print to avoid surprise charges.

Here’s a simple checklist before booking your Redang Island package:

• Mandatory fees: Check if the Marine Park Conservation Fee and Tourist Tax (TTX) are included. These are often excluded and must be paid in cash at the jetty or resort.
• Snorkelling gear: Confirm whether the package includes rental of life jackets, masks, and snorkels. Some packages exclude gear fees even if snorkelling trips are listed.
• Meal style: Review if meals are buffet or à la carte and whether BBQ dinners are part of the deal. Meal quality and variety can affect your overall experience.
• Transfers from Singapore: Clarify if the transport from Singapore to the mainland jetty is included. Most packages only include the boat transfer, not flights or buses.

Tips Before You Travel to Redang Island

A successful trip from Singapore to Redang Island requires a bit of foresight, particularly regarding the season, packing list, and connectivity. 

Here are the essential notes and practical advice to ensure your getaway is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

• Best time to visit: Plan your trip between March and October, when sea conditions are calm and the islands stay accessible. 
• What to pack: Bring reef‑safe sunscreen, snorkel gear (if your resort doesn’t provide it), and a waterproof pouch for your phone to capture memories and protect your device.
• Stay connected: Choose an unlimited Holafly travel eSIM and avoid unexpected roaming charges.
• Entry requirements: Singapore citizens only need a valid passport to enter Malaysia for short stays, as there is no visa requirement.

Tick off each item before departure, and you’ll be ready to relax, explore, and enjoy your island escape without unexpected setbacks.

Is Redang Island worth visiting from Singapore?

If you’re deciding between Malaysia’s top islands near Singapore, Redang Island is absolutely worth the extra travel time. It stands out for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and upscale beach resorts, making it a top choice for those after a more premium, peaceful getaway.

Ideal for trips of 3–4 days, Redang suits couples, honeymooners, and anyone seeking a slower pace away from the weekend crowd. Flights to Kuala Terengganu are short and regular, and boat transfers are typically included with resort bookings, making the journey smoother than it might seem.

With data roaming in Malaysia costing over $10/MB on some plans, staying connected can get expensive fast. Holafly’s Malaysia eSIM offers unlimited data at  SGD $8 per day, perfect for keeping maps, messages, and bookings running without roaming stress.

For a calm, scenic escape just a few hours from Singapore, Redang Island delivers everything you’d want, and staying connected is just as easy with Holafly.

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Violet Lee

SEO Content Specialist

Formerly a travel journalist turned marketing copywriter, I found my way back to the travel world with Holafly—my dream company that made remote work possible. My motto? “Dream big and make it happen.” I’m passionate about writing, exploring the world, and staying active through walking, running, swimming, and hiking. I also love learning, reflecting, and connecting with inspiring minds.

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